The astonishing animal instantly became a worldwide viral hit after Hans Nilsson, a local politician, caught it on film.

Police in Värmland, the Swedish region where the stately moose roams, decided to cull the animal in a decision that outraged animal rights campaigners.

The decision was made after the moose approached a woman out walking her two dogs. She fell and was injured. Her dogs were also scared by the animal. There are also reports that some people in the area are afraid to go outside because of the moose.

However, tens of thousands of Swedes rallied to save the rare creature.

Just five hours after launch on Monday, more than 20,000 people had signed an online petition by Sweden’s largest animal rights organisation, Djurens rätt.

“It is the fastest-growing petition we have ever had,” a spokesperson for the organisation, which has more than 40,000 members, told The Local on Tuesday.

On Tuesday afternoon, police revoked their decision to cull the rare animal, according to The Local.

The animals that North Americans know as moose (Alces alces) are typically called ‘elk’ in Europe.

“Since November 6th there have been no reports about the elk acting in an aggressive way, which is why the decision about aprotective hunt no longer applies,” said Värmland police in a statement.

In Sweden, the white moose population is estimated to consist of about 100 animals. The total Swedish moose population is estimated at 300,000 to 400,000.